For Undergraduate Students
THInC - where JHCOE goes for research support
The Herb Innovation Center (THInC) serves as a pivotal resource for undergraduate students in the Judith Herb College of Education. We are dedicated to fostering innovative research practices and enhancing scholarly development. Our mission is to support and empower students through comprehensive research assistance, workshops, and collaborative opportunities.
Quick Summaries of the information you'll find in the following tabs:
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5M Competition: Our 5M Research Competition is the only undergraduate research competition formatted like the university-wide 3MT to give our undergraduates a truly unique experience (and money).
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Research: We offer personalized guidance on getting students involved in research at the level they want to be involved in. We also assist with research design, methodology, data analysis, and literature review, helping students refine their research questions and develop robust proposals.
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THInC Series: Our center hosts regular workshops on various research topics, including qualitative and quantitative methods, data visualization, and academic writing, equipping students with essential skills for their studies.
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More: Office of Undergraduate Research, faculty mentors, and resources
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Testimonials from current and past JHCOE undergraduate students:
Amy Brinthaupt - undergraduate in Special Education
My experience with the 5M competition started out of curiosity. I didn't know what the competition entailed so I went to a meeting to learn more. I talked with Professors, doctorate students, grad students, and undergraduates. It was great to bounce innovative ideas about education with a group of supportive individuals.
Alanna Encalado - undergraduate in Education through TPS Early College High School
The competition was nothing short of an amazing experience. From getting to know everyone who participated o getting up and presenting in front of everyone, I earned so much. As the only high school student to participate, I walked in super nervous about what was to come. However, the people made every second of it worth it.
Have you worked with THInC recently and would like to have your testimonial put up for other students? Email us at herbinnovationcenter@utoledo.edu
By fostering a vibrant research community, the Herb Innovation Center aims to cultivate the next generation of educational researchers, ensuring that undergraduate students have the opportunities, tools and support needed to succeed in their academic research endeavors.
5 M Research Competition
We are excited to announce the Undergraduate 5M Research Competition, an initiative by THInC designed to foster greater engagement in campus undergraduate research endeavors. Our competition is exclusively designed for the Judith Herb College of Education, making it a unique opportunity just for you. In collaboration with the esteemed graduate 3M competition, this spring semester event offers undergraduates the opportunity to showcase their ideas in concise, dynamic presentations lasting no more than 5 minutes.
Why compete? Participating in this competition not only provides a platform to earn monetary rewards but also enhances your resume and cultivates invaluable skills in research and communication. By engaging in this experience, you demonstrate initiative and a commitment to your field, setting yourself apart in the job market. The skills you develop—such as critical thinking, teamwork, and effective presentation—are highly sought after by employers. Additionally, showcasing your involvement in a competitive environment highlights your ability to tackle challenges and work under pressure, making your resume stand out to potential employers after graduation. Don’t miss the chance to bolster your qualifications while gaining recognition for your hard work!
What is it? The Undergraduate 5M Research Competition invites you to present your ideas using just one PowerPoint slide, tailored for a non-specialist audience.
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- Option 1 – Early track: Present a research project idea (i.e., no data, results or conclusions yet). Present a compelling research project idea, focusing on its conceptual framework without delving into data or conclusions.
- Option 2 – Late track: Present research that includes results and conclusions. Present research incorporating results and conclusions. Utilize data from previous or ongoing class projects to compete in this track.
What do I need to do? Submit a two-slide PowerPoint for your presentation and give your 3-Minute presentation during the competition - that's it! Go to THInC's 3M/5M page for comprehensive rules, examples, and registration details.
How can THInC help you with research as an undergraduate student?
Are you interested in undergraduate research but uncertain about how to begin? Take the first step by completing the form linked below. The Herb Innovation Center (THInC) is dedicated to assisting you in finding your pathway into the realm of undergraduate research. Upon submission, our team will promptly follow up with you to provide guidance on the next steps.
Request for Information/Research Assistance
THInC is dedicated to guiding students from the initial stages of developing research ideas to the successful execution of impactful projects. Read below to see how we've helped current and past JHCOE undergraduate students, how we can help you, and why you should engage in research as an undergraduate student.
THInC's Undergraduate Research Resources:
Here is a list of ways THInC supports JHCOE undergraduate students in their research:
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Collaborative Roles: Join ongoing projects as a team member, where you can participate in data collection, analysis, and interpretation alongside experienced researchers. This collaborative approach allows you to learn from others while contributing your skills.
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Mentorship Opportunities: Work closely with faculty and seasoned researchers who can guide you through the research process. You'll receive mentorship that helps you develop your abilities and gain insights into effective research practices.
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Skill Development: Engage in hands-on activities that enhance your research skills without the pressure of leading a project. From literature reviews to data management, you’ll acquire practical experience that prepares you for future endeavors.
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Networking: Connect with fellow students and faculty in the College of Education, building relationships that can open doors for future research collaborations and professional opportunities.
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Flexible Involvement: Choose projects that align with your interests and availability, allowing you to immerse yourself in research while balancing your other academic commitments.
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Access to Resources: Students can access a wealth of databases, journals, and other research materials. We also provide tools for citation management and ethical research practices.
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Developing Research Ideas: THInC provides invaluable assistance in developing research ideas. Through workshops, seminars, and one-on-one consultations, graduate students receive guidance in refining their concepts, identifying research gaps, and formulating compelling research questions. Additionally, THInC facilitates brainstorming sessions and collaborative forums where students can exchange ideas, fostering an environment conducive to innovative exploration.
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Conducting Research: Once research ideas are solidified, THInC aids undergraduate students in navigating the intricacies of conducting research. From research methodologies to data collection techniques, THInC offers training sessions and resources to equip students with the necessary tools and skills for successful research execution. Moreover, THInC provides access to research databases, literature reviews, and academic journals to support students in contextualizing their research within existing scholarship
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In essence, THInC stands as a cornerstone of support for undergraduate students pursuing research, offering comprehensive resources, guidance, and mentorship to empower them in their research pursuits and scholarly endeavors. Through its holistic approach, THInC empowers undergraduate students to translate their research aspirations into impactful contributions to their fields and beyond.
Call or email THInC to get started in your research journey today.
Email: herbinnovationcenter@utoledo.edu Phone: 419.530.6134
Why participate in extra research as an undergraduate student?
Undergraduate students should actively seek out additional research opportunities for several compelling reasons, one of which is the fact that research is a fundamental component of many master's and doctoral programs. Here is a list of potential reasons why our undergraduate students might work on extra research:
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- Funding: Undergraduate students who participate in research have a variety of ways to gain funding for their research, which means earning extra money. Students can pursue grant funding through UToledo's Office of Undergraduate Research among other sources, as well as compete in competitions to earn monetary awards.
- Stand Out to Your Future Employers: Students who engage in research demonstrate a proactive commitment to their professional development, setting themselves apart on their resumes. This hands-on experience showcases your initiative, problem-solving abilities, and dedication to advancing knowledge in their field, making you an attractive candidate to potential employers.
- Honor's Thesis: Engaging in diverse research projects cultivates essential skills vital for successful completion of an honor's thesis project. Students refine critical thinking, analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills, laying a solid foundation for academic excellence and professional achievement in their research endeavors.
- Preparation for Grad Studies: Students interested in continuing their education with a master or doctoral degree should prioritize research preparation, as it not only strengthens their applications but also equips them with the experience needed to thrive in advanced studies and contribute meaningfully to their fields.
- Publication and Presentation Opportunities: Additional research involvement increases the likelihood of publishing papers, presenting at conferences, and contributing to scholarly discourse. These experiences not only bolster resumes and academic credentials, but also enhances visibility and recognition within your respective field.
- Preparation for Career Paths: Involvement in diverse research projects provides invaluable preparation. It equips you with transferable skills and experiences that are highly sought after in education, industry, government, nonprofit sectors, and beyond.
- Depth and Breadth of Experience: Engaging in research beyond the scope of their formal programs allows students to delve deeper into their areas of interest. It broadens their exposure to different subjects and research environments, enriching your academic journey.
- Skill Development: Participating in diverse research projects enhances an undergraduate students' skill sets. You have the chance to refine your critical thinking, analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills, which are invaluable across various academic and professional contexts.
- Networking and Collaboration: Collaborating on research projects exposes you to a broader network of peers, mentors, and professionals in your field. These connections can lead to future collaborations, career opportunities, and professional development.
- Personal and Professional Growth: Engaging in research outside the confines of formal programs promotes personal and professional growth. It fosters resilience, adaptability, and the ability to navigate complex academic and professional landscapes.
In summary, seeking out additional research opportunities offers numerous benefits, including skill development, networking, interdisciplinary exploration, and career preparation. By embracing these opportunities, undergraduate students can maximize their potential, expand their horizons, and make meaningful contributions to their fields of study.
SHARE Series
THInC's Seminar on Highlighting Academic Research (SHARE) Series offers undergraduate students an opportunity to see what graduate students and faculty are currently researching in a relaxed environment. Faculty and fellow students are available to listen and engage with insightful questions. Light refreshments and snacks will also be provided.
SMART Series
THInC's Seminar on Methods and Research Techniques (SMART) Series offers undergraduate students the opportunity to learn about various research methods and techniques, teach others, or practice their presentation skills by discussing a topic of their choice. In this series, faculty, guests, and students can present on a research method or technique and even showcase its application in a relaxed, informal atmosphere. This series is designed to raise awareness of research methodologies within the college and across the broader academic community. The event will welcome JHCOE faculty and students, along with faculty from other departments and invited guests from outside the college. Light refreshments and snacks will be provided.
Office of Undergraduate Research
The Office of Undergraduate Research provided an overview for students interested in exploring research opportunities.
Office of Undergraduate Research
Undergraduate Research Tool Kit
Featured Faculty Mentors
THInC offers valuable connections to esteemed faculty mentors, a selection of whom is listed below. Engaging in mentorship represents a significant opportunity for students to deepen their educational experience and receive steadfast support throughout their academic and professional journey. Mentors serve as invaluable guides, providing indispensable advice, encouragement, and resources to help students realize their fullest potential.
Email the Herb Innovation Center team at herbinnovationcenter@utoledo.edu to get connected with a faculty mentor.
- Colleen Fitzpatrick, Ph.D.
Areas of research interest: Exploring the complex and interactional role the context of a classroom, school, district or state plays in how teachers and students experience teaching and learning social studies in grades 6-12. Within this, she has a particular focus on how teachers teach and students learn about religion in social studies classrooms. - Lynne Hamer, Ph.D.
Areas of research interest: Historical foundations of education/historical intersections between schooling and marginalized populations; life writing/educational biography and oral history
- Edward Janak, Ph.D.
Areas of research interest: Historical foundations of education/historical intersections between schooling and marginalized populations; life writing/educational biography and oral history; pop culture/mass culture and education - Natasha Johnson, Ph.D.
Areas of research interest: Chemistry education; multicultural science education; STEM interest, access, and persistence - Revathy Kumar Ph.D.
Areas of research interest: Social and cultural processes involved in constructing a sense of self and identity among adolescents and young adults in culturally diverse societies, the role of teachers, teacher-education programs, schools, communities, and families in facilitating minority and immigrant adolescents’ development, learning, and motivation - Sekhar Pindiprolu, Ph.D.
Areas of research interest: Teaching and learning strategies, computer-assisted instruction, designing instruction, program evaluations - Dale T. Snauwaert, Ph.D.
Areas of research interest: Justice, education for peace and justice, democracy, democratic education - Robert A. Schultz, Ph.D.
Areas of research interest: Gifted/Talented education; Social and Emotional Needs; Creativity; Curriculum Theory and Philosophical Foundations of Education; Assessment and Evaluation; Qualitative and Mixed Methods Research Methods; Parents and Parenting
- Mark Templin, Ph.D.
Areas of research interest: Science instruction, science teacher education, activity theory
- Svetlana Beltyukova, Ph.D
Areas of research interest: Psychometric Analysis, Survey Development, Parametric and Nonparametric Statistical analysis, Quantitative and Mixed-Method Research Design, Program evaluation
- Michael Toland, Ph.D.
Areas of research interest: Sense of belonging, developing surveys, undergraduate research, applied statistics, applied measurement
Want to see about getting a faculty mentor? Fill out the Request for Information/Research Assistance and select "getting connected with a faculty mentor" or email THInC at herbinnovationcenter@utoledo.edu
Request for Information/Research Assistance
Resources
American Psychological Association. (2020). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (7th ed.). https://doi.org/10.1037/0000165-000
Graff, G., & Birkenstein, C. (2014). They say / I say: The moves that matter in academic writing (3rd ed.). Norton & Company, Inc.
Strunk, W. & White, E. B. (1999). The elements of style (4th ed.). Pearson.